US20030056826A1

US20030056826A1 - Modular plumbing system

Info

Publication number: US20030056826A1
Application number: US09/964,066
Authority: US
Inventors: James Thomas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-09-26
Filing date: 2001-09-26
Publication date: 2003-03-27

Abstract

The present disclosure describes prefabricated, modular plumbing assemblies and methods of installing the plumbing assemblies. The plumbing assemblies contain all the components needed for a complete installation. The plumbing assemblies are modular and prefabricated, so that in most cases only one measurement is required on site for installation of the assemblies. The installed plumbing assemblies are at an appropriate finished height and orientation for connection to a plumbing fixture. The use of the plumbing assemblies of the present disclosure greatly simplifies the installation process, decreasing the labor cost associated with installation, decreasing the time needed for installation, saving on material costs and material waste and reducing the installation errors inherent in the current methods for installing plumbing assemblies.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to plumbing assemblies for connecting plumbing fixtures to the main plumbing system of a building, and specifically, to prefabricated, modular plumbing assemblies for such use.

BACKGROUND

Over the past several decades, the components comprising plumbing assemblies and the methods of installing the assemblies have become standardized. In terms of the methods of installation, the steps in the process depend in part on the structure of the building itself. Buildings are generally constructed with either of two types of foundations, concrete slab foundations or off-grade floor systems. When a concrete slab foundation is used, it is necessary to install the pipes comprising the main plumbing system of a building (the main water supply pipes and main drain pipes) and certain components of the plumbing assemblies before the concrete slab is placed. Therefore, these components must be placed in the correct orientation so the completed plumbing assemblies will be contained within the finished wall of the building so that the plumbing assemblies will not interfere with further construction of the building. Once the main water supply and drain pipes and the initial components of the plumbing assembly have been installed and pressure tested, the concrete slab is placed and construction of the building can continue. Once the building frame is constructed, typically using wooden frame members, the remainder of the plumbing assembly can then be completed and the finished walls of the building can be installed. This two step construction process is required because the complete plumbing assembly cannot be installed without the support provided by the building frame. Installation of the plumbing assemblies in off-grade floor systems can occur in one step, since the installation occurs after the building frame has been constructed.

The components used in the plumbing assemblies, although standard, require a skilled craftsman to install. For example, the components needed for a typical bathroom lavatory installation consists of two water supply pipes (one hot and one cold) connected to the main hot and cold water supply lines, a drain pipe connected to the main drain pipe, two air chambers connected to the water supply pipes and two fixture extensions that extend from the water supply pipes through the finished walls to supply water to the lavatory. In almost all cases, it is necessary to cut each of these components to the proper size and join these components together on site to produce the finished plumbing assembly. The connection of one air chamber to one water supply pipe requires that the supply pipe be cut to the proper height, a tee joint sweated onto the supply pipe to receive the air chamber, and the air chamber sweated onto the tee joint. This process must be repeated for the second water supply pipe and air chamber. In addition, the rest of the assembly must be completed, requiring even more joints and cuts to be made. Such a process involves a high level of skill on the part of the craftsman and requires substantial amounts of time to complete. A typical bathroom lavatory installation requires 10 to 12 sweat joints, 4 to 5 glue joints and 6 to 8 cuts.

In addition to the multiple component parts required for the finished plumbing assemblies, the plumbing assemblies are generally installed within the interior space of the walls of a building. Since the plumbing assemblies are contained substantially within the wall, these components must be installed before the wall is finished. In the case of installation where a concrete slab foundation is used, the plumber must install the initial components of the plumbing assembly before even the building frame of the structure is in place. In this situation, great care must be taken so that the initial components of the plumbing assemblies are in the correct orientation so that they will be completely enclosed within the finished wall. If the initial plumbing assemblies are not in the correct orientation, subsequent modification may be required to ensure the completed assemblies fit inside the wall as desired, adding additional time and cost to the construction process. Further complicating the issue the plumbing assemblies must be at the appropriate finished height for connection to the particular plumbing fixture.

The multiple component parts and methods of installation that are currently used make the installation process labor intensive and time consuming. In addition, since skilled craftsmen must be employed to produced the finished installation, the installation process is expensive. Finally, the installation process necessitates excessive waste and material cost, since a significant portion of material is lost as a result of cutting the components to size to produce a plumbing assembly of the correct dimensions.

Therefore, there is a need in the plumbing field for modular, prefabricated plumbing assemblies that are both economical and efficient to install so that the installation process can be accomplished in less time, at less cost with less waste.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded frontal elevation view illustrating one embodiment of a modular plumbing assembly for a lavatory, laundry tub/sink or kitchen sink; [0007]
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view illustrating the fixture extensions and drain extension of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1; [0008]
FIG. 3A is a top elevation view illustrating one embodiment of the bracket used in the modular plumbing assemblies; [0009]
FIG. 3B is a side elevation view illustrating one embodiment of the bracket used in the modular plumbing assemblies; [0010]
FIG. 4 is a partially exploded frontal elevation view illustrating one embodiment of a modular plumbing assembly for a water heater; [0011]
FIG. 5A is a frontal elevation view illustrating the upper ends of the plumbing assembly shown in FIG. 4; [0012]
FIG. 5B is a side elevation view illustrating the upper ends of the plumbing assembly shown in FIG. 4 [0013]
FIG. 6A is a side elevation view of one embodiment of the optional tertiary assembly; [0014]
FIG. 6B is a frontal elevation view of one embodiment of the optional tertiary assembly; [0015]
FIG. 7 is a partially exploded frontal elevation view illustrating one embodiment of a modular plumbing assembly for a washing machine; [0016]
FIG. 8 is a frontal elevation view illustrating one embodiment of a modular plumbing assembly for a water closet; [0017]
FIG. 9 is a is a side elevation view illustrating one embodiment of a modular plumbing assembly for a water closet; [0018]
FIG. 10 is a side elevation view illustrating one embodiment of a modular plumbing assembly for a hose bibb; [0019]
FIG. 11 is a frontal elevation view illustrating one embodiment of a modular plumbing assembly for a hose bibb; [0020]
FIG. 12 is a partially exploded frontal elevation view illustrating a modular plumbing assembly for a bath or shower or bath/shower combination; [0021]
FIG. 13A illustrates the components of the optional shower assembly for the assembly shown in FIG. 12; and [0022]
FIG. 13B illustrates the components of the optional fill spout assembly for the assembly shown in FIG. 12.[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Definitions [0024]
The following terms should be given the following meanings in this specification, the drawings and the claims that follow: [0025]
plumbing assemblies shall mean all components required for connecting a plumbing fixture to the main plumbing system of a building, but shall not include the components of the finishing kit; [0026]
plumbing fixture shall include, but not be limited to, a commode, a sink, a laundry sink, a lavatory, a washing machine, a water closet, a hose bibb, a bath, a shower and a bath/shower combination; [0027]
building shall mean any structure whatsoever, without limitation; [0028]
glue joint shall mean the joint formed between two sections of pipe (generally manufactured from PVC or similar material) which have been cut to their proper length and cleaned that is created by applying an epoxy, glue or resin to the two sections so that a seal is formed between the two sections of pipe; [0029]
sweat joint shall mean the joint formed between two sections of pipe (generally manufactured from copper) which have been cut to their proper length and cleaned that is created by applying flux to the two pipe sections, heating the two sections of pipe and applying a solder to the two sections such that a seal is formed between the two pipe sections; [0030]
finished height shall mean the height of an installed plumbing assembly, such that the plumbing assembly is at an appropriate height for connection to a particular plumbing fixture; [0031]
finishing kit shall mean all components necessary to connect the plumbing assembly to the plumbing fixture to produce a finished installation, including, but not limited to, stops, trim pieces, supplies, traps and adapters; and [0032]
rough in dimensions shall mean the initial estimation of the measurements required to ensure the plumbing assembly is at a finished height and orientation to receive a plumbing fixture. [0033]
The present disclosure describes prefabricated, modular plumbing assemblies which are suitable for installation in a building. The plumbing assemblies of the present disclosure are prefabricated and modular, incorporating all the measurements and components required for a successful installation. The instant disclosure describes several modular plumbing assemblies for the following applications: 1) installation of sink, laundry sink or lavatory; 2) installation of water heater; 3) installation of washing machine; 4) installation of water closet; 5) installation of hose bibb; and 6) installation of bath, shower or bath/shower combination. [0034]
General Principles Applicable to All Plumbing Assemblies [0035]
Although the present disclosure describes several modular plumbing assemblies for specific applications, each of the modular assemblies rely on the same design and construction principles. Current plumbing installation methods require that multiple component pieces be cut, assembled and installed on the building site. This requires that: a) the plumbing assembly be assembled and installed with rough in dimensions on site so that the finished plumbing assembly is at the appropriate finished height and orientation; b) the pipes be cut on site, which produces wasted materials; c) the pipes be joined together on site; and (d) the proper component parts gathered together and brought to the site to avoid delays in installation. The design and construction principles of the modular plumbing assemblies of the present disclosure allow plumbing assemblies to be installed efficiently, cheaply and accurately. The plumbing assemblies are designed so that, in most cases, only 1 measurement must be made by the installer on site in order to ensure that the plumbing assembly is at the appropriate finished height for connection to a plumbing assembly. This greatly reduces the time required for installation and the accuracy of the finished installation. In addition, since the assemblies are modular and prefabricated, the problems of costly and time-consuming on site assembly and wasted material are avoided since there are fewer cuts to make and fewer joints to assemble. Additional features include mounting brackets and assembly instructions. The mounting brackets (described in more detail below) are designed to secure the pipes comprising the modular plumbing assembly to the building frame of the structure quickly and securely. The brackets, therefore, allow the components of the plumbing assemblies to be installed in the correct relationship to one another and at the appropriate finished height and orientation for connection to the plumbing fixture. The installation instructions allow the installer to quickly and accurately prepare the main plumbing system of a building to receive the modular plumbing assemblies and to install the modular plumbing assemblies of the present disclosure, so that the plumbing assemblies are in the appropriate orientation and finished height for a given installation. [0036]
Use of the modular plumbing assemblies of the present disclosure greatly simplifies the installation process, decreases the labor cost and installation time, saves on material costs and material waste and reduces the installation errors inherent in the current methods for installing plumbing assemblies. For example, while a typical bathroom lavatory installation requires 10 to 12 sweat joints, 4 to 5 glue joints and 6 to 8 cuts, using the modular plumbing assembly of the present disclosure to install a bathroom lavatory reduces the number of sweat joints to 4, the number of glue joints to 2 and the number of cuts to 4. In addition, the modular plumbing assembly places the plumbing in the appropriate orientation and at the correct finished height to receive the lavatory fixture, thereby eliminating almost all installation errors. [0037]
The modular plumbing assemblies can be sold as complete units in kit form, or can be sold as individual pieces. Each kit would contain the appropriate modular plumbing assembly for installation to a specific plumbing fixture and installation instructions sufficient to permit one of ordinary skill in the art in the plumbing field to complete the installation. Optionally, the kits may also include a finishing kit that includes all the trim pieces, stops, adapters and supplies needed for a particular installation. The finishing kit provides the advantage that all the components for a professionally finished installation are present and that these components are matched to fit the diameter pipes used in a particular installation. This eliminates the need to purchase the components separately and ensures a pleasing finished look to the installation. The content of the finishing kit will vary depending on the particular plumbing assembly to be installed. In addition, the plumbing assemblies may be supplied as one unit, or each assembly may be broken down into smaller assemblies. In general it will be necessary to provide smaller assemblies when installation of the plumbing assemblies occurs on a concrete slab foundation. [0038]
In the descriptions that follow, the modular plumbing assemblies will be described as incorporating polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe for the drain pipes and copper pipes for the water supply pipes, extensions and other water carrying pipes. It is understood within the field that PVC covers all schedules and thicknesses of PVC. However, it should be understood that any material that meets local building codes can be substituted for PVC and/or copper, and still be within the spirit of the disclosure. For example, chlorinated polyvinylchloride (CPVC), poly-butylene, butylene or stainless steel can be used in place of copper and cast iron or copper can be used in place of PVC, when local building codes permit. In addition, detailed description of pipe diameters is not given, and is not critical to the present disclosure. The proper pipe diameter for a particular application is well within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art in the plumbing field, and the present disclosure should be understood to include all relevant pipe diameters. Furthermore, when caps or sealed ends are incorporated into a modular plumbing assembly, the caps and sealed ends may be color coded with red or blue caps or markings, with the red color indicating a hot water connection and the blue color indicating a cold water connection. In addition, although the plumbing assemblies are described as being connected to the main plumbing system of a building, it is understood that the components of the main plumbing system may vary depending on the plumbing assembly installed. Finally, when two pipe ends are joined together to form joints, it is preferred that in order to facilitate joint formation, one of the pipe ends will contain a standard bell connection, and the other of the two pipe ends will be adapted to connect with the bell connection. Alternatively, if bell connections are not employed, a suitable coupling can be used to join the two pipe ends together, with the coupling being essentially a short section of pipe with two bell ends. [0039]
The following examples illustrate preferred embodiments of the modular plumbing assemblies and alterations, such as, but not limited to, the pipe materials, assembly steps, joint connections and other variables within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the plumbing field should be considered within the scope of the present disclosure. [0040]
Modular Plumbing Assembly for a Lavatory Sink or Laundry Sink [0041]
A modular plumbing assembly, [0042] 10, for a lavatory, sink or laundry sink is described below and shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the assembly 10 for installation on a concrete slab foundation where the assembly 10 is composed of a primary assembly 12 and a secondary assembly 14. It should be considered within the scope of the disclosure to provide assembly 10, and the other assemblies described hereafter, as a single unit, further eliminating the time and manpower required to install the assemblies.
In its most basic form, [0043] assembly 10 comprises 2 water supply pipes and a drain pipe. Throughout the remainder of the specification and the claims that follow the water supply pipes may be designated as hot and cold, or simply referred to without a designation of hot and cold it being understood that one water supply pipe will supply hot water and the other water supply pipe will supply cold water. The assembly 10 comprises a primary assembly 12 and a secondary assembly 14. The primary assembly 12 further comprises a bracket 70, hot and cold water supply pipes 20A and 20B and a drain pipe 28. The hot and cold water supply pipes 20A and 20B each have an upper end 22A and 22B and a lower ends 24A and 24B. Supply pipes 20A and 20B may be covered by color coded caps 25A (red) and 25B (blue) to prevent debris from entering the pipe during installation and to identify the pipes quickly during installation. Supply pipes 20A and 20B each have bell connectors 26A and 26B on lower end 24A and 24B. The drain pipe 28 has a sealed upper end 30 and a lower end 32, with a bell connector 34 on lower end 32, and at least one cut line 31 on sealed upper end 30. The sealed upper end 30 functions to provide a seal so that the drain pipe assembly can be pressure tested before further installation continues.
The [0044] secondary assembly 14 further comprises hot and cold water supply extensions 50A and 50B, sealed fixture extensions 58A (red end) and 58B (blue end), a drain pipe extension 60, a drain connection 68 and a mounting bracket 70. The water supply extensions 50A and 50B each have upper ends 52A and 52B and lower ends 54A and 54B, with bell connection 55A and 55B on lower ends 54A and 54B and air chambers 56A and 56B on upper ends 52A and 52B. The fixture extensions 58A and 58B have at least one cut line 59A and 59B on the sealed ends and extend laterally from the hot and cold water supply extensions 50A and 50B at predetermined locations so that they will be at the appropriate height for connection to the plumbing fixture. The drain pipe extension 60 has an upper end 62 and a lower end 64, with bell connections 66A and 66B on upper end 62 and lower end 64, respectively. A sealed drain connection 68 is located on drain extension 60 and extends laterally from the drain pipe extension 60. The lengths of the fixture extensions 58A and 58B and the drain connection 68 are such that they extend laterally a sufficient distance to extend beyond the finished wall for connection to the plumbing fixture. FIG. 2 further illustrates the configuration of the fixture extension 58A and the drain connection 68. (fixture extension 58B is obscured by fixture extension 58A). The diameter of the drain connection 68 is selected so that it is the proper diameter for the particular plumbing fixture being installed. For instance, if a bathroom lavatory is being installed, the drain connection 68 will have a diameter of approximately 1¼ inches. If a laundry tub/sink is being installed, the drain connection 68 will have a diameter of approximately 2 inches. The incorporation of the proper size drain connection 68 eliminates the need to reduce or enlarge the diameter of the drain connection with bulky adapters. The result is a finished installation that is sure to be enclosed withing the finished wall and that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye since openings in the finished wall are correct diameter and the trim pieces will fully cover the openings in the finished wall. The components of the primary assembly 12 and the secondary assembly 14 are secured in brackets 70 to building frame members 16.
The bracket [0045] 70 (shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B) may be constructed from any type of material that will provide a rigid structure, such as stamped galvanized iron. The dimensions of the bracket 70 can be varied, but in a preferred embodiment the bracket 70 is 3½ inches wide and 14½ inches in length in order to conform to the width and the spacing of the frame members 16 in a typical building. The bracket 70 comprises a base 72 having two outer sides 74A and 74B and right and left ends 76A and 76B, respectively. Downwardly turning legs 78A and 78B extends from each of the ends 76A and 76B, forming generally a 90 angle with the base 72. Gang nails 80A and 80B are incorporated into the legs 78A and 78B to secure bracket 70 to frame members 16. Other means to secure the bracket 70 to the frame members 16 include, but are not limited to nails, screws or bolts. Fins 82A and 82B may optionally be attached to each leg 78A and 78B to receive the frame members 16. In a preferred embodiment, the fins 82A and 82B extend at a 90 angle from each leg 78A and 78B, forming a channel 84 to receive the frame member 16. The base 72 contains a plurality of openings 86 to receive the components of assembly 10. The openings 86 are generally circular, with a diameter adapted to securely receive the components of the plumbing assembly. The openings 86 may optionally contain sleeves 88. The configuration of openings 86 on base 72 will vary depending on the particular installation and alterations in the configuration should be considered within the scope of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, bracket 70 is adapted to receive the components of the primary assembly 12 and one opening 86 is centered on base 72 and two openings 86 are offset from the center of base 72 by 4 and 8 inches to correspond to standard installations.
The installation of [0046] assembly 10 will vary depending on the circumstances of the installation as stated in the installation instructions provided with assembly 10, but will follow the principles described below, with differences from these general principles being apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in the plumbing field. As described above, for concrete slab foundations it is necessary to install the modular plumbing assembly 10 in two steps. The first step is the joining of the primary assembly 12 to the main drain pipe 90. The height of drain pipe 90 from the finished floor will vary depending on the plumbing fixture to be installed, with the proper height being given in the installation instructions. Main drain pipe 90 is cut so that it extends the appropriate height from the finished floor. This is the only measurement required in the installation of assembly 10.
The remainder of the measurements are predetermined through the structure of the [0047] primary assembly 12 and the secondary assembly 14 and use of bracket 70, so that the completed plumbing assembly 10 will be at the appropriate finished height and orientation for the plumbing fixture to be installed.
Once the main drain pipe [0048] 90 is cut to the proper height, the primary assembly 12 is secured to the main drain pipe 90 via a glue joint between the bell connection 34 on the lower end 32 of drain pipe 28 and the main drain pipe 90. Once the drain pipe 28 is connected to the main drain pipe 90, the main water supply lines 92A and 92B may be connected to hot and cold water supply pipes 20A and 20B via a sweat joint between bell connection 26A and 26B on lower ends 24A and 24B and the main water supply lines 92A and 92B. The primary assembly 12 is secured to the frame members 16 by the gang nails 80A and 80B on bracket 70.
Next, the [0049] secondary assembly 14 is secured to the primary assembly 12. Since the primary assembly 12 and the secondary assembly 14 are a constant length for all plumbing assemblies 10, the length of the main drain pipe 90 will determine the finished height of the modular plumbing assembly 10. The drain pipe 28 is cut along cut line 31 for attachment to the drain extension 60. Although the order of connection can be varied, it is generally more efficient to connect the drain pipe extension 60 to the drain pipe 28 via a glue joint between the bell connection 68 of drain extension 60 and the upper end 30 of drain pipe 28. The water supply extensions 50A and 50B are then connected to the water supply pipes 20A and 20B via a sweat joint between bell connections 55A and 55B on water supply extensions 50A and 50B and the upper ends 22A and 22B on hot and cold water supply lines 20A and 20B. The water supply extensions 50A and 50B can be moved up and down relative to bracket 70 if needed in joining the water supply extensions 50A and 50B to the water supply pipes 20A and 20B. The bracket 70 is then secured to the frame members 16 via gang nails 80A and 80B. At this point installation of the modular plumbing assembly 10 is complete, and the finished walls of the structure can be installed to cover the modular plumbing assembly 10, with only extensions 58A and 58B and drain connection 68 extending through the finished wall. The finished modular plumbing assembly 10 is at the appropriate finished height and orientation for connection to the selected plumbing fixture. A shown in FIG. 2, the extensions 58A and 58B are sealed for pressure testing, and it is necessary to cut the ends of extensions 58A and 58B along the pre-marked cut lines 59A and 59B before hook-up to the specific plumbing fixture. The sealed end of drain connection 68 must also be cut before hook up to the plumbing fixture. The optional finishing kit contains the stops, supplies, traps and adapters required for connection of the extensions 58A and 58B and drain connection 68 to the plumbing fixture. If installation of assembly 10 occurs after the frame members 16 are installed, as in a building with an off-grade floor system, primary assembly 12 and secondary assembly 14 may be supplied as one unit and secured to frame members 16, with installation to the main drain pipe 90 and the main water supply lines 92A and 92B being essentially as described above.
Modular Plumbing System for Water Heater Installation [0050]
A modular water heater plumbing assembly, [0051] 100, is described below and shown in FIGS. 4-6. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of assembly 100 which is composed of a primary assembly 102, a secondary assembly 104 and optionally, a tertiary assembly 106 (shown in FIG. 6). It should be considered within the scope of the disclosure to supply all of these assemblies, or a combination thereof, as one unit. The primary assembly 102 further comprises hot and cold water supply pipes 108A and 108B, respectively, a relief pipe 116 and a bracket 70. The bracket 70 is essentially the same as previously described except that openings 86 may be of different diameter and configuration in order to securely receive the components of assembly 100. The hot and cold water supply pipes 108A and 108B each comprise lower ends 110A and 110B, upper ends 112A and 112B and bell connections 114A and 114B on lower ends 110A and 110B. The relief pipe 116 comprises a lower end 118, an upper end 120 and a bell connection 122 on lower end 118. In addition, color coded caps 115A (red), 115B (blue) and 115C (green) are supplied for the hot and cold water supply pipes 108A and 108B and the relief pipe 116, respectively, to keep debris from entering the pipes during installation and to quickly identify the pipe during installation.
As illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5A and [0052] 5B, the secondary assembly 104 further comprises sealed hot and cold water supply extensions 124A and 124B, a sealed relief pipe extension 134 and a bracket 70. The sealed ends 128A and 128B of the hot and cold water supply extensions 124A and 124B may be marked with a cut line 129A and 129B and coded with a red and blue color respectively. Likewise, the sealed end 138 of relief pipe extension 134 may be marked with a cut line 139 and coded with a green color. The hot and cold water supply extensions 124A and 124B have lower ends 126A and 126B, upper ends 128A and 128B, with bell connections 130A and 130B on lower ends 126A and 126B and air chambers 149A and 149B. The relief pipe extension 134 has a lower end 136, an upper end 138 and a bell connection 140 on lower end 136. The components of the primary assembly 102 and the secondary assembly 104 are secured in brackets 70. The upper ends 128A, 128B and 138 extend laterally from the plane defined by the lower ends 126A, 126B and 136 and are a sufficient length to extend through the finished wall to allow connection to the water heater.
As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the tertiary assembly [0053] 106 comprises hot water connection 142, a relief connection 144 and a cold water connection 146. The hot water connection 142, relief connection 144 and cold water connection 146 are provided as pre-assembled units. The hot water connection 142 has a first end 170, a second end 172, a bell connection 174 on the first end 170 and a dielectric union 160 on its second end 172. The relief connection 144 has a first end 180, a second end 182, a bell connection 184 on the first end 180 and a dielectric union 160 on its second end 182. The cold water connection 146 has a first end 150 and a second end 152, with a bell connection 154 on the first end 150, a valve 156 integral with cold water connection 146 and a dielectric union 160 on its second end 152. In a preferred embodiment, valve 156 is a gate valve, but other types of valves that allow for maximum water flow could also be used. The cold water connection 146 and hot water connection 142 are connected to water heater 194 through dielectric unions 160.
In contrast to the installation of [0054] modular plumbing assembly 10, modular water heater plumbing assembly 100 is generally installed after the building has been roughed in with frame members 16. Therefore, the assembly 100 may be installed as a single unit in both concrete slab and off-grade floor system constructions, or can be installed in smaller assemblies as described below. The final installation height of water heaters varies depending on the make and capacity of the water heater. The installer consults the installation instructions provided with the assembly 100 and determines the make and capacity of the water heater to be installed. The installation instructions provide the installer with the proper height for the installation of mounting bracket 70 containing the primary assembly 102. This is the only measurement required in the installation process for assembly 100. Since the length of the remainder of assembly 100 and its components is constant, the height of mounting bracket 70 determines the finished height of assembly 100.
Once the mounting [0055] bracket 70 is installed, the hot and cold water supply pipes 108A and 108B are connected to main hot and cold water supply pipes 190A and 190B, respectively, via sweat joints between bell connections 114A and 114B of hot and cold water supply pipe 108A and 108B and the main hot and cold water supply pipes 190A and 190B. The relief pipe 116 is connected to the main relief pipe 192 via a sweat joint between bell connection 122 on lower end 118 of relief pipe 116 and the main relief pipe 192. The primary assembly 102 is then ready to receive the secondary assembly 104.
The hot and cold [0056] water supply extensions 124A and 124B are connected to hot and cold water supply pipes 108A and 108B via sweat joints between the bell connections 130A and 130B of hot and cold water extensions 124A and 124B and the upper ends 112A and 112B of hot and cold water extensions 108A and 108B, respectively. The relief pipe extension 134 is connected to relief pipe 116 via a sweat join between bell connection 140 on lower end 136 of relief pipe extension 134 and the upper end 120 of relief pipe 116. The secondary assembly is then secured to frame members 16 via gang nails 80A and 80B on bracket 70, or other means as described above. Once the secondary assembly 104 is connected, the partially completed assembly is at the appropriate finished height for connection to the particular water heater selected for installation. At this point the finished walls of the building can be installed to cover the modular plumbing assembly 100, with only the upper ends 128A, 128B and 138 extending through the finished wall. The upper ends 128A, 128B and 138 are cut along the cut lines 129A, 129B and 139, respectively. The modular plumbing assembly 100 is now ready to receive tertiary assembly 106, if used. Since the modular water heater assembly 100 is installed after the structure has been roughed in with frame members 16, primary assembly 102 and secondary assembly 104 could be combined into one assembly if desired, and installed in one step.
The optional tertiary assembly [0057] 106 connects the assembly 100 to the water heater 194. The tertiary assembly 106 is designed to accommodate a finished wall dimension of ½ to 1 inch and allow for a clearance of 1½ to 2 inches from the finished wall. The hot water connection 142 is connected to the hot water extension 124A via sweat joint between bell connection 174 on first end 170 and the upper end 128A of hot water supply extension 124A. The relief connection 144 is connected to the relief pipe extension 134 via a sweat joint between the bell connection 184 on first end 180 and the upper end 138 of relief pipe extension 134. The cold water connection 146 is connected to the cold water supply extension 124B via a sweat joint between bell connection 154 on first end 150 and the upper end 128B of cold water supply extension 124B. The hot water connection 142, the relief pipe connection 144 and the cold water connection 146 are connected to the water heater 194 via male threaded connections on dielectric unions 160 and female threaded connections (not shown) on water heater 194 according to the water heater manufacturer's instructions and local building regulations. In the event the water heater 194 is not provided with female threaded connections, commercially available threaded adapters can be used to supply the appropriate threaded connection.
Because no sweat joints are required to connect the [0058] hot water connection 142, the relief pipe connection 144 and the cold water connection 146 to water heater 194, no heat is applied to the top of the water heater 194. A common result of applying heat to the top of the water heater 194 is damage to the components of the water heater, especially the cold water carrying pipe (not shown), which is often constructed of plastic. In addition, the threaded connection allows the water heater to be easily disconnected and replaced if required without extensive modification to the plumbing system.
Optionally, a finishing kit that contains the trim pieces, adapters and other components needed for a finished installation may be supplied with [0059] assembly 100. In the case of assembly 100, the finishing kit would include Teflon tape to be used in conjunction with the mechanical threaded connections.
Modular Plumbing System for Washing Machine Installation [0060]
A modular washing machine plumbing assembly, [0061] 200, is described below and shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of assembly 200 comprising the primary assembly 202 and the secondary assembly 204. It should be considered within the scope of the disclosure to supply these assemblies as one unit. The primary assembly 202 further comprises hot and cold water supply lines, 208A and 208B, drain pipe 220 and bracket 70. The hot and cold water supply lines, 208A and 208B have lower ends 210A and 210B, sealed upper ends 212A (red) and 212B (blue) and bell connections 214A and 214B on the lower ends 210A and 210B. The upper ends 212A and 212B of hot and cold water supply lines 208A and 208B are pre-marked with cut-lines 218A and 218B. The drain pipe 220 has a lower end 222, a sealed upper end 224 and a bell connection 226 on the lower end 222. The sealed upper end 224 is pre-marked with cut-line 228. The hot and cold water supply lines, 208A and 208B and drain pipe 220 are secured in bracket 70.
The [0062] secondary assembly 204 comprises hot and cold water extensions 230A and 230B, drain assembly 242 and bracket 70. The hot and cold water extensions 230A and 230B have lower ends 232A and 232B and bell connections 236A and 236B on the lower ends 232A and 232B. The hot and cold water extensions 230A and 230B further comprise valves 240A and 240B at the upper ends 234A and 234B and flexible connectors 238A and 238B, extending from above bell connections 236A and 236B and extending at least partially along the length of hot and cold water extensions 230A and 230B. The exact length of the flexible connectors 238A and 238B is not critical, as long as they provide the flexibility to allow connection of the hot and cold water extensions 230A and 230B to the hot and cold water supply lines 208A and 208B. The particular embodiment of the valves is not critical to the present disclosure. However in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a ball valve is shown. The drain assembly 242 comprises a vent stack 244, a trap 252 and connecting section 254. The trap 252 is contiguous with and branches from lower end of the vent stack 244 on one end, and is contiguous with the lower end of the connecting section 254 on the other end. Bell connectors 250A and 250B are present on the upper and lower ends of the vent stack 244. The connecting section 254 has an upper end 258. The exact configuration of drain assembly 242 is not critical to the present disclosure, with the embodiment illustrated serving only as a guide. The exact configuration of the secondary assembly 204 can vary, as long as each of the elements is incorporated therein. The hot and cold water extensions 212A and 212B and the drain assembly 242 are secured in bracket 70.
The [0063] bracket 70 is as described above and shown in FIG. 3, with the exception that the openings 86 of bracket 70 have different diameters and the configuration of the openings 86 are adapted to secure the components of the primary assembly 202 and the secondary assembly 204.
A [0064] connection box 206, may be incorporated into assembly 200 to further secure the components of assembly 200 and provide electrical connections for the washing machine (not shown). The connection box 206 is designed to receive the assembly 200 in an attractive and functional manner, and is be secured to the frame members 16 by any conventional means, such as screws or nails. The connection box 206 comprises a face plate 260, an interior space 262, an electrical receptacle 272 and a junction box 274. The interior space 262 is defined by a lower and upper interior wall 264 and 266, respectively, and a right and left interior wall, 268 and 270, respectively. The dimensions of the interior space 262 are sufficient to receive the connecting section 254 and the hot and cold water extensions 230A and 230B. The face plate 260 contains a section to receive an electrical receptacle 272. A cavity 278 in connection box 206 is defined by the face plate 260, the left interior wall 268 and a frame member 16. The cavity 278 receives the vent stack 244. The electrical receptacle 270 is pre-wired (according to standard electrical practices) for a 110 volt connection with the wiring terminating in a junction box 274. The wiring is optionally encapsulated in a non-conductive material or foam. The electrical receptacle 270 may be slightly raised above the surface of the face plate section 260 to provide the necessary clearance for vent stack 244.
The installation of assembly [0065] 200 is guided by installation instructions provided with assembly 200. The main drain pipe 290 is cut so that it extends 8 inches from the finished floor and the main hot and cold water supply pipes 292A and 292B are cut to extend 4 inches from the finished floor. The drain pipe 220 is connected to the main drain pipe 290 via a glue joint between the bell connection 226 of drain pipe 220 and main drain pipe 290. When the glue joint is set, the hot and cold water supply lines 208A and 208B are connected to the main hot and cold water supply lines 292A and 292B via a sweat joint between bell connections 214A and 214B on the hot and cold water supply lines 208A and 208B and the main hot and cold water supply lines 292A and 292B. The bracket 70 is secured to the frame members 16 by gang nails 80A and 80B. Once pressure testing is complete, drain pipe 220 is cut along cut line 228, and hot and cold supply lines 208A and 208B are cut along cut-lines 218A and 218B. The primary assembly 202 is now ready to receive the secondary assembly 204.
The [0066] drain assembly 242 is connected to the drain pipe 220 via a glue joint between the bell connection 250B on vent stack 244 and the upper end 224 of drain pipe 220. Once the glue joint is set, hot and cold water extensions 230A and 230B are connected to the hot and cold water supply pipes 208A and 208B via a sweat joint between bell connections 236A and 236B on hot and cold water extensions 230A and 230B and the upper ends 212A and 212B of hot and cold water supply pipes 208A and 208B. Flexible extensions 236A and 236B aid in this connection process. The bracket 70 is secured to the frame members 16 by gang nails 80A and 80B. The upper end 258 of the connecting section 254 terminates in connecting box 206. The upper ends 234A and 234B of hot and cold water extensions 230A and 230B extend above the lower interior wall 264 and extend into the interior space 262 of connecting box 206. The vent stack 244 extends behind face plate 260 through cavity 272. The vents stack 244 will be connected to additional vent pipes (not shown).
Modular Plumbing System for Water Closet Installation [0067]
A modular water closet plumbing assembly, [0068] 300, is described below and shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The assembly 300 comprises supply line 302, the supply line 302 comprising an upper end 306 and a lower end 308, an air chamber 310 contiguous with and extending from the upper end 306 and an extension 314 located at a predetermined location on supply line 302. Extension 314 is pre-marked with a cut line 316, shown in FIG. 9, and extends a sufficient distance to extend beyond the finished wall to allow for connection to the plumbing fixture. A bell connection 318 is supplied on the lower end 308 of supply line 302 for attachment to main supply line 350. A connecting means, shown in FIG. 9 as tang 320, is connected to upper end 312 of air chamber 310 to secure assembly 300 to mounting bracket 330. Assembly 300 may be secured to frame members 16 by other bracket configurations, so long as assembly 300 is secured in its proper orientation. The tang 320 is a L-shaped bracket extending from the upper end of air chamber 310 at a roughly 90 degree angle.
Mounting [0069] bracket 330 can be constructed of any material capable of providing a rigid structure for attachment of assembly 300, preferably stamped galvanized iron. Bracket 330 comprises a center section 332, and a left leg 334 and a right leg 336, the left and right legs 334 and 336 extending from opposite ends of center section 332 at roughly a 90 degree angle. Center section 332 contains openings 338 along its entire length to receive tang 320 or other securing means. Bracket 330 is secured to frame members 16 by gang nails 340 on the left and right legs 334 and 336, respectively. Other means to secure bracket 330 to the frame members 16 include, but are not limited to, nails, screws and bolts.
The installation of [0070] assembly 300 is guided by the installation instructions provided with assembly 300. Supply pipe 350 is cut so that the top of supply pipe 350 extends 3 inches from the top of the finished floor. Supply line 302 is connected to supply pipe 350 via a sweat joint between bell connection 318 on lower end 308 and the main supply pipe 350. Mounting bracket 330 is connected to assembly 300 by inserting the tang 320 or other securing means through openings 338. The mounting bracket 330 is then secured to frame members 16 via gang nails 340 or other securing means. The assembly 300 is now ready for pressure testing. Before connection to the water closet (not shown), extension 314 is cut along cut line 316. A finishing kit may be optionally supplied with assembly 300. The kit would contain the stops, trim, supply and other components required for a finished installation.
Modular Plumbing System for Hose Bibb Installation [0071]
A modular plumbing assembly, [0072] 400, for a hose bibb is shown in FIG. 10. Assembly 400 comprises a supply pipe 402, an extension 418 and a sill cock assembly 426. The supply pipe 402 comprises a lower end 404 and an upper end 406, and a top portion 408. The top portion 408 has a front end 410 and a back end 412, with the front end 410 containing a female threaded cavity 414. The back end 412 is contiguous with a mounting bracket 416. The exact configuration of mounting bracket 416 is not critical to the present disclosure. The supply pipe 402 has a bell connection 418 on lower end 404. Extension 418 has a male threaded end 420, a non-threaded end 422 and wrench grips 424 near the threaded end 420 to aid in installation. Sill cock assembly 426 comprises a face plate 428, a standard faucet assembly 430 and a connecting section 432. Alternatively, a commercially available freeze-proof sill cock can be used in place of sill cock assembly 426.
Installation of assembly [0073] 400 is guided by installation instructions provided with assembly 400. The installer determines the desired finished height for assembly 400 and cuts main water pipe 450 to the proper height as instructed by the installation instructions. Supply pipe 402 is joined to main water pipe 450 via a sweat joint between bell connection 418 on lower end 404 of supply pipe 402 and main water supply pipe 450. The assembly 400 is secured to the frame cross member 17 via mounting bracket 416, or other suitable structure, as illustrated in FIG. 11. The male threaded end 420 of extension 418 threadably inserts into the female threaded cavity 414 of front end 410. The length of extension 418 can be varied and will depend on the thickness of the outer wall (not shown). The connecting section 432 of the sill cock assembly 426 is adapted to join to the non-threaded end of extension 418 via a sweat joint. An isolation block 436 may be placed around connecting section 432 (or in a similar position on a freeze-proof sill cock) when stone or masonry outer walls are installed. The isolation block 436 offers protection from freezing conditions by lowering the cold transduction from the outer wall to the sill cock. The isolation block 436 can be manufactured from plastic resins or other materials that confer insulative properties. The dimensions of isolation block 436 are such that it extends from the face plate 428 of sill cock 426 to not closer than 1½ inches from the finished wall. Teflon tape to be used in conjunction with the mechanical threaded connections may be supplied with assembly 400.
Modular Plumbing System for Bath/Shower Installation [0074]
A modular plumbing assembly for a bath, shower or bath/shower combination, [0075] 500, is shown in FIG. 12. The assembly 500 comprises a primary assembly 502 and at least one water discharge assembly. The water discharge assembly may be either a fill spout assembly, a shower assembly or both the fill spout assembly and the shower assembly. The primary assembly 502 further comprises hot and cold water supply pipes, 506A and 506B. Assembly 500 may optionally comprise a valve assembly 536. The hot and cold water supply pipes, 506A and 506B further comprise lower ends 508A and 508B, upper ends 510A and 510B, air chambers 514A and 514B and valve extensions 516A and 516B branching from supply pipes 506A and 506B at predetermined locations thereon. The valve extensions 516A and 516B have outer ends 518A and 518B.
The shower assembly comprises and a shower assembly connecting pipe [0076] 528 a shower assembly pipe 550, a shower arm 552 and a shower head 554 (shown in FIG. 13A). The shower assembly pipe 550 has a lower end 556 and an upper end 558, with a bracket 416 on one end of upper end 558. The shower arm 552 has male threaded first and second ends 563 and 564, respectively, adapted to connect to the shower assembly pipe 550 through the female cavity 562 and the shower head 554. A bracket 416 secures the shower assembly pipe 550 to the frame cross member (not shown). The fill spout assembly comprises a fill spout assembly connecting pipe 520, a fill spout assembly pipe 530, an extension 540 and a fill spout 542 (shown in FIG. 13B). The fill spout supply pipe 530 has an upper end 532 and a lower end 534, with a threaded female cavity 538 on its lower end 534. The extension has male threaded first and second ends 541 and 543, respectively, adapted to connect to the fill spout supply pipe 530 through the female cavity 538 and to the fill spout 542. A bracket 416 secures the fill spout assembly pipe 530 to the frame cross member (not shown).
The [0077] valve extensions 516A and 516B, the shower assembly connecting pipe 528 and the fill spout assembly connecting pipe 520 are each joined to the optional valve assembly 536 by dielectric unions 540A-D. The dielectric unions 540A-D are preferably joined to the outer ends 518A and 518B of valve extensions 516A and 516B and, to the lower end 530 of shower assembly connecting pipe 528 and to the upper end 524 of fill spout assembly connecting pipe 520, respectively, via sweat joints, and to the valve assembly 536 by standard threaded connections.
The fill spout [0078] assembly connecting pipe 520 is joined to the fill spout assembly pipe 530 via a sweat joint between bell connection 536 on lower end of fill spout assembly connective pipe 520 and the upper end of fill spout supply pipe 530. The extension 540 threadably inserts into the female cavity 538 on the fill spout assembly pipe 530 and the fill spout 542 via male threaded ends 541 and 543, respectively. The shower assembly connecting pipe 528 is joined to shower supply pipe 550 via a sweat joint between bell connection 560 of shower assembly connecting pipe 528 and the lower end 556 of the shower supply pipe 550. The shower arm 552 threadably inserts into the female cavity 562 on the shower supply pipe 550 and the shower head 554 via male threaded ends 563 and 564. The shower assembly and fill spout assembly are secured to frame cross member 17 via brackets 516. Bracket 516 is secured to frame cross member 17 by any convenient means, such as, but not limited to, nails, screws or bolts.
The [0079] assembly 500 may be used with a variety of valve configurations, including, but not limited to, single lever, double handle or triple handle systems. The valve assembly 536 is selected depending on the particular valve configuration chosen, with valve assembly 536 being commercially available as a unit. The valve assembly 536 is sold either singularly or in combination with assembly 500. The assembly 500 may be used with a bath/shower combination or for either component individually. If only a shower unit is desired, the fill spout assembly connecting pipe 520 is eliminated from assembly 500 and an appropriate valve assembly 536 is selected. If only a tub unit is desired, shower assembly connecting pipe 528 is eliminated and an appropriate valve assembly 536 is selected.
Installation of [0080] assembly 500 is guided by the installation instructions provided with assembly 500. The hot and cold water supply pipes, 506A and 506B, are connected to the main hot and cold water pipes 551A and 551B via sweat joints between the bell connections 512A and 512B on the lower ends 508A and 508B and the main hot and cold water lines 551A and 551B. The length of the hot and cold water supply pipes, 506A and 506B, are such that the valve assembly 536 will be at a finished height suitable for most applications when the main pipes 551A and 551B are cut 3 inches from the finished floor. However, the placement of the valve assembly 536 will vary depending on customer preferences, and exact measurements for installation may be modified if desired based on customer preference. If it is desired to increase the finished height of the valve assembly 536, the main pipes 551A and 551B can be cut so that they extend greater than 3 inches from the finished floor, or additional pipe can be added to the hot and cold water supply pipes 506A and 506B. If it is desired to decrease the finished height of the valve 536, the main hot and cold water pipes 551A and 551B can be cut so that they extend less than 3 inches from the finished floor, or the hot and cold water supply pipes 506A and 506B can be decreased by removing lengths of pipe. The placement of the fill spout and shower head is also variable and depends on customer preferences. Again, the length of the fill spout assembly connecting pipe 520 and the shower assembly connecting pipe 528 is supplied to give a finished height for the fill spout and/or shower head suitable for most customers. If a different finished height is desired, the length of these pipe sections may be decreased by removing a sections of pipe, or increased by adding sections of pipe.
The above discussion has described several embodiment of the plumbing assemblies in detail so that the assemblies and their principles of operation may be understood. The above discussion should not be interpreted to exclude additional embodiments of the assemblies. With respect to the above description, it should be considered that the optimal dimensional relationships for the various parts of the assemblies, including variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, may be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those described above and illustrated in the figures are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. Therefore, the foregoing is considered illustrative only, and should not be understood to limit the scope of the disclosure to the exact construction and operation discussed and illustrated. [0081]

Claims

I claim:

1. A modular plumbing assembly for connection to a plumbing fixture, the assembly comprising two pre-configured water pipes and a pre-configured drain pipe, all held in a generally predetermined spatial relationship to each other by at least one rigid bracket so that the plumbing assembly is at an appropriate finished height and orientation for connection to the plumbing fixture.

2. The assembly of claim 1 where each of the water pipes further comprises an angled, lateral water pipe fixture extension of predetermined length and an air chamber at predetermined locations thereon, and the drain pipe further comprises an angled, lateral drain connection of predetermined length at a predetermined location thereon.

3. The assembly of claim 2 where each of the water pipe fixture extensions and the drain connection further comprises a sealed outer end.

4. The assembly of claim 3 where the sealed outer end of one of the water pipe fixture extensions is pre-marked with a red color, the sealed outer end of the other water pipe fixture extensions is pre-marked with a blue color and the sealed outer end of the water pipe fixture extensions and the drain connection are marked with at least one cut line.

5. The assembly of claim 1 where the at least one bracket comprises a base with a plurality of openings configured thereon to secure each of the water pipes a predetermined distance from the drain pipe.

6. The assembly of claim 5 where the bracket further comprises at least one leg contiguous with an end of the base, the at least one leg forming an approximate 90 degree angle with the base and further comprising a means to secure the bracket to a frame member.

7. The assembly of claim 2 where the water pipes, water pipe extensions and air chambers are manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of: copper, stainless steel, polyvinylchloride, butylene, poly-butylene and chlorinated polyvinylchloride; and the drain pipe and the drain pipe connection are manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of: polyvinylchloride, copper and cast iron.

8. A modular plumbing assembly for connection to a plumbing fixture, the assembly comprising a primary plumbing assembly and a secondary plumbing assembly, the primary assembly further comprising two pre-configured water pipes and a pre-configured drainpipe, all held in a generally predetermined spatial relationship to each other by a rigid bracket, and the secondary assembly further comprising two pre-configured water pipe extensions and a pre-configured drain pipe extension, all held in a generally predetermined spatial relationship to each other by a rigid bracket, the secondary assembly configured to interconnect with the primary assembly so that the plumbing assembly is at an appropriate finished height and orientation for connection to the plumbing fixture.

9. The assembly of claim 8 where each of the water pipe extensions further comprises an angled, lateral water pipe fixture extension of predetermined length and an air chamber at predetermined locations thereon, and the drain pipe extension further comprises an angled, lateral drain connection of predetermined length at a predetermined location thereon.

10. The assembly of claim 9 where each of the water pipe fixture extensions, the drain pipe and the drain connection further comprise a sealed outer end.

11. The assembly of claim 10 where the sealed outer end of one of the water pipe fixture extensions is pre-marked with a red color, the sealed outer end of the other water pipe fixture extension is pre-marked with a blue color, and the sealed outer ends of the water pipe fixture extensions. the drain pipe and the drain connection are marked with at least one cut line.

12. The assembly of claim 8 where the bracket of the primary assembly comprises a base with a plurality of openings configured thereon to secure each of the water pipes a predetermined distance from the drain pipe, and the bracket of the secondary assembly comprises a base with a plurality of openings configured thereon to secure each of the water pipe extensions a predetermined distance from the drain pipe extension.

13. The assembly of claim 12 where the brackets of the primary assembly and the secondary assembly each further comprise at least one leg contiguous with an end of the base, the at least one leg forming an approximate 90 degree angle with the base and further comprising a means to secure the bracket to a frame member.

14. The assembly of claim 9 where the water pipes, the water pipe extensions, the lateral water pipe fixture extensions and the air chambers are manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of: copper, stainless steel, polyvinylchloride, butylene, poly-butylene and chlorinated polyvinylchloride; and the drain pipe, the drain pipe extension and the drain connection are manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of: polyvinylchloride, copper and cast iron.

15. A modular plumbing assembly for connection to a plumbing fixture, the assembly comprising two pre-configured water pipes and a pre-configured relief pipe, each of the pipes having an upper end and a lower end, with the upper ends of the water pipes and the relief pipe extending laterally a predetermined length at an angle from a plane defined by the lower ends of the water pipes and the relief pipe, all held in a generally predetermined spatial relationship to each other by at least one rigid bracket so that the assembly is at an appropriate finished height and orientation for connection to the plumbing fixture.

16. The assembly of claim 15 where the upper ends of the water pipes and the relief pipe are sealed.

17. The assembly of claim 16 where the sealed outer end of one of the water pipes is pre-marked with a red color, the sealed outer end of the other water pipe is pre-marked with a blue color and the sealed outer end of the relief pipe is pre-marked with a green color, and the sealed outer ends of the water pipes and the relief pipe are marked with at least one cut line.

18. The assembly of claim 15 where each of the two water pipes further comprises an air chamber at a predetermined location thereon.

19. The assembly of claim 15 where the at least one bracket comprises abase with a plurality of openings configured thereon to secure each of the water pipes a predetermined distance from the relief pipe.

20. The assembly of claim 19 where the bracket further comprises at least one leg contiguous with an end of the base, the at least one leg forming an approximate 90 degree angle with the base and further comprising a means to secure the bracket to a frame member.

21. The assembly of claim 15 further comprising a tertiary assembly, the tertiary assembly comprising a pre-configured hot water connection, a pre-configured cold water connection and a pre-configured relief connection, each having a first end and a second end, the hot and cold water connections adapted to connect to the water pipes at their first ends and to a water heater at their second ends and the relief connection adapted to connect to the relief pipe at its first end and the water heater at its second end.

22. The assembly of claim 21 where the cold water connection further comprises a valve at a predetermined location thereon.

23. The assembly of claim 15 where the water pipes and the relief pipe are manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of: copper, stainless steel, polyvinylchloride, butylene, poly-butylene and chlorinated polyvinylchloride.

24. A modular plumbing assembly for connection to a plumbing fixture, the assembly comprising a primary plumbing assembly and a secondary plumbing assembly, the primary assembly further comprising two pre-configured water pipes and a pre-configured relief pipe, all held in a generally predetermined spatial relationship to each other by a rigid bracket, and the secondary assembly further comprising two pre-configured water pipe extensions and a pre-configured relief pipe extension, all held in a generally predetermined spatial relationship to each other by a rigid bracket, the secondary assembly configured to interconnect with the primary assembly so that the plumbing assembly is at an appropriate finished height and orientation for connection to the plumbing fixture.

25. The assembly of claim 24 where each of the water pipe extensions and the relief pipe extension have an upper end and a lower end, the upper ends of the water pipe extensions and the relief pipe extension being sealed and extending laterally at an angle a predetermined distance from a plane defined by the lower ends of the water pipe extensions and the relief pipe extension.

26. The assembly of claim 25 where the sealed upper end of one of the water pipe extensions is pre-marked with a red color, the sealed upper end of the other water pipe extension is pre-marked with a blue color and the sealed upper end of the relief pipe extension is pre-marked with a green color, and the sealed outer ends of the water pipe extensions and the relief pipe extension are marked with at least one cut line.

27. The assembly of claim 24 where the bracket of the primary assembly comprises a base with a plurality of openings configured thereon to secure each of the water pipes a predetermined distance from the relief pipe, and the bracket of the secondary assembly comprises a base with a plurality of openings configured thereon to secure each of the water pipe extensions a predetermined distance from the relief pipe extension.

28. The assembly of claim 27 where the brackets of the primary assembly and the secondary assembly further comprise at least one leg contiguous with an end of the base, the at least one leg forming an approximate 90 degree angle with the base and further comprising a means to secure the bracket to a frame member.

29. The assembly of claim 24 where each of the water pipes further comprises an air chamber at a predetermined location thereon.

30. The assembly of claim 24 further comprising a tertiary assembly, the tertiary assembly comprising a pre-configured hot water connection, a pre-configured cold water connection and a pre-configured relief connection, each having a first end and a second end, the hot water connection and the cold water connection being adapted to connect to the water pipe extensions at their first end and to a water heater at their second ends, and the relief connection adapted to connect to the relief pipe extension at its first end the water heater at its second end.

31. The assembly of claim 30 where the cold water connection further comprises a valve at a predetermined location thereon.

32. A modular plumbing assembly for connection to a plumbing fixture, the assembly comprising two pre-configured water pipes and a pre-configured drain assembly, all held in a generally predetermined, spatial relationship to each other by at least one rigid bracket so the plumbing assembly is at an appropriate finished height and orientation for connection to the plumbing fixture.

33. The assembly of claim 32 further comprising a connection box, the connection box comprising an interior space defined by at least three walls, a pre-wired electrical receptor and a junction box in communication with the electrical receptor, the connection box being adapted to receive the water pipes, the drain assembly and the electrical receptor.

34. The assembly of claim 32 where each of the water pipes further comprises an upper end and a valve at a predetermined location on the upper end.

35. The assembly of claim 32 where the drain assembly further comprises a connecting section, a vent stack and a trap, the trap being positioned between and in communication with the connecting section and the vent stack.

36. The assembly of claim 32 where the at least one bracket comprises abase with a plurality of openings configured thereon to secure each of the water pipes a predetermined distance from the drain assembly.

37. The assembly of claim 36 where the base further comprises at least one leg contiguous with an end of the base, the at least one leg forming an approximate 90 degree angle with the base and further comprising a means to secure the bracket to a frame member.

38. The assembly of claim 32 where the water pipes are manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of: copper, stainless steel, polyvinylchloride, butylene, polybutylene and chlorinated polyvinylchloride; and the drain pipe assembly is manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of: polyvinylchloride, copper and cast iron.

39. A modular plumbing assembly for connection to a plumbing fixture, the assembly comprising a primary assembly and a secondary assembly, the primary assembly further comprising two pre-configured water pipes and a pre-configured drain pipe all held in a generally predetermined, spatial relationship to each other by a rigid bracket, and the secondary assembly further comprising two pre-configured water pipe extensions and a pre-configured drain assembly, all held in a generally predetermined, spatial relationship to each other by a rigid bracket, the secondary assembly configured to interconnect the primary assembly so that the plumbing assembly is at an appropriate finished height and orientation for connection to the plumbing fixture.

40. The assembly of claim 39 further comprising a connection box, the connection box comprising an interior space defined by at least three walls, a pre-wired electrical receptor and a junction box in communication with the electrical receptor, the connection box being adapted to receive the water pipe extensions, the drain assembly and the electrical receptor.

41. The assembly of claim 39 where the each of the water pipe extensions further comprises an upper end with a valve located at a predetermined location on the upper end.

42. The assembly of claim 39 where the drain assembly further comprises a connecting section, a vent stack and a trap, the trap being positioned between and in communication with the connecting section and the vent stack and the vent stack adapted to connect to the main drain pipe.

43. The assembly of claim 39 where the brackets comprises a base with a plurality of openings configured thereon to secure each of the water pipes a predetermined distance from the drain assembly.

44. The assembly of claim 43 where the base further comprises at least one leg contiguous with an end of the base, the at least one leg forming an approximate 90 degree angle with the base and further comprising a means to secure the bracket to a frame member.

45. The assembly of claim 39 where the water pipes and water pipe extensions are manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of: copper, stainless steel, polyvinylchloride, butylene, poly-butylene and chlorinated polyvinylchloride; and the drain pipe and drain pipe assembly are manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of: polyvinylchloride, copper and cast iron.

46. A modular plumbing assembly for connection to a plumbing fixture, the assembly comprising a pre-configured water supply pipe held in a generally predetermined location by at least one rigid bracket so that the plumbing assembly is at an appropriate finished height and orientation for connection to the plumbing fixture.

47. The assembly of claim 46 where the water supply pipe further comprises an angled, lateral fixture extension of predetermined length and an air chamber at a predetermined location thereon.

48. The assembly of claim 47 where the fixture extension comprises a sealed outer end and the sealed outer end is marked with at least one cut line.

49. The assembly of claim 46 where the water supply pipe further comprises a means to secure the assembly to the at least one bracket.

50. The assembly of claim 46 where the bracket comprises a centered base with a plurality of openings thereon and at least one leg contiguous with an end of the base, the at least one leg forming an approximate 90 degree angle with the base and further comprising a means to secure the bracket to a frame member.

51. The assembly of claim 46 where the water pipe and the fixture extension are manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of: copper, stainless steel, polyvinylchloride, butylene, poly-butylene and chlorinated polyvinylchloride.

52. A modular plumbing assembly for connection to a plumbing fixture, the assembly comprising a pre-configured water supply pipe, a sill cock assembly and an extension, the extension having a first end adapted to connect to the water supply pipe and a second end adapted to connect to the sill cock assembly, all held in a generally predetermined location by at least one rigid bracket, so that the plumbing assembly is at an appropriate finished height and orientation for connection to the plumbing fixture.

53. The assembly of claim 52 where the sill cock assembly comprises a faucet assembly and a connecting section, the connecting section having a first end adapted to connect with the extension and a second end adapted to connect with the faucet assembly.

54. The assembly of claim 52 where the sill cock assembly is adapted to be resistant to freezing conditions.

55. The assembly of claim 53 where the sill cock assembly further comprises an isolation block adapted to at least partially surround the connecting section.

56. The assembly of claim 52 where the water supply pipe further comprises a top section with a female threaded cavity therein and the extension further comprises a male threaded end on the first end.

57. The assembly of claim 52 where the water pipe and the extension are manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of: copper, stainless steel, polyvinylchloride, butylene, poly-butylene and chlorinated polyvinylchloride.

58. A modular plumbing assembly for connection to a plumbing fixture, the assembly comprising two pre-configured water pipes, at least one water discharge assembly and a valve assembly configured to receive the water pipes and the at least one water discharge assembly, the water pipes and the at least one water discharge assembly held in a generally predetermined spatial relationship to each other by at least one rigid bracket such that the plumbing assembly is at an appropriate finished height and orientation.

59. The assembly of claim 58 where the at least one water discharge assembly is selected from the group consisting of: a shower assembly, a fill spout assembly and both a shower assembly and a fill spout assembly.

60. The assembly of claim 58 where each of the water supply pipes further comprises an air chamber at a predetermined location thereon.

61. The assembly of claim 59 where the shower assembly comprises a shower assembly connecting pipe, a shower assembly pipe, a shower arm and a shower head, the shower assembly connecting pipe adapted to connect to the valve assembly on a first end and the shower assembly pipe on a second end, the shower assembly pipe adapted to connect to the shower arm and the shower arm adapted to connect to the shower head.

62. The assembly of claim 59 where the fill spout assembly further comprises a fill spout assembly connecting pipe, fill spout assembly pipe, an extension and a fill spout, the fill spout assembly connecting pipe adapted to connect to the valve assembly on a first end and the fill spout assembly pipe on a second end and the fill spout assembly pipe adapted to connect to the extension and the extension adapted to connect to the fill spout.

63. The assembly of claim 58 where the valve assembly is selected from the group consisting of:

a single lever system, a double lever system and a triple lever system.

64. The assembly of claim 58 where each of the water supply pipes and the at least one water discharge assembly are connected to the valve assembly through dielectric unions.

65. The assembly of claim 58 where the at least one bracket comprises a base with a plurality of openings configured thereon to secure each of the water pipes a predetermined distance from the at least one water discharge assembly.

66. The assembly of claim 65 where the at least one bracket further comprises at least one leg contiguous with an end of the base, the at least one leg forming an approximate 90 degree angle with the base and further comprising a means to secure the bracket to a frame member.

67. The assembly of claim 58 where the water pipes are manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of: copper, stainless steel, polyvinylchloride, butylene, polybutylene and chlorinated polyvinylchloride.

68. A kit suitable for installation of a plumbing assembly to a plumbing fixture so that the plumbing assembly is at an appropriate finished height and orientation for connection to the plumbing fixture, the kit comprising:

a. a plumbing assembly;

b. a finishing kit; and

c. installation instructions.

69. The kit of claim 68 where the at least one plumbing assembly is selected from the group consisting of: the plumbing assembly described in claims 1, 8, 15, 24, 32, 39, 46, 52 and 58.

70. The kit of claim 68 where the finishing kit and the installation instructions are selected based on the plumbing assembly selected.

71. A method for the installation of a modular plumbing assembly to connect a plumbing fixture to a main plumbing system, the method comprising the steps of:

a. selecting the plumbing assembly for installation, the plumbing assembly being selected to correspond to the plumbing fixture;

b. taking an initiation action, the initiation action ensuring that the plumbing assembly is at an appropriate finished height for the selected plumbing fixture;

c. connecting the plumbing assembly to the main plumbing system, the plumbing assembly being configured to interconnect with the main plumbing system; and

d. securing the plumbing assembly to at least one frame member.

72. The method of claim of claim 71 where the plumbing assembly is secured to the at least one frame member by at least one bracket.

73. The method of claim of claim 71 where the initiation action is selected from the group consisting of: preparing a pipe of the main plumbing system to extend a predetermined distance from a finished floor and securing the plumbing assembly a predetermined distance from the finished floor.

74. The method of claim 71 where the plumbing assembly is selected from the group consisting of: the plumbing assembly described in claims 1, 15, 32, 46, 52 and 58.

75. The method of claim 71 further comprising connecting the plumbing assembly to the plumbing fixture.

76. The method of claim 75 where the plumbing assembly is connected to the plumbing fixture with the aid of a finishing kit.

77. The method of claim 71 where the plumbing fixture is selected from the group consisting of: a lavatory, a sink, a laundry tub, a water heater, a washing machine and a water closet.

78. The method of claim 71 where the installation of the plumbing assembly is guided by a set of installation instructions.

79. The method of claim 71 where the plumbing assembly comprises at least a primary assembly and a secondary assembly, the primary assembly being connected to the main plumbing system and the secondary assembly being connected to the primary assembly, the primary assembly being configured to interconnect with the secondary assembly and the main plumbing system.

80. The method of claim of claim 79 where the primary assembly and the secondary assembly are secured to the at least one frame member by at least one bracket.

81. The method of claim of claim 79 where the initiation action is selected from the group consisting of: preparing a pipe of the main plumbing system to extend a predetermined distance from a finished floor and securing the plumbing assembly a predetermined distance from the finished floor.

82. The method of claim 79 where the plumbing assembly is selected from the group consisting of: the plumbing assembly described in claims 8, 24 and 39.

83. The method of claim 79 further comprising connecting the plumbing assembly to the selected plumbing fixture.

84. The method of claim 83 where the plumbing assembly is connected to the plumbing fixture with the aid of a finishing kit.

85. The method of claim 79 where the plumbing fixture is selected from the group consisting of: a lavatory, a sink, a laundry tub, a water heater and a washing machine.

86. The method of claim 79 where the installation of the plumbing assembly is guided by installation instructions.